DYS464 is known to have 4 to 7 alleles (a to d for 4 or a to g for 7).  Previously, the “genotype” is reported.  When the genotype is reported, identical repeats are reported multiple times if that same repeat is present more than once.  For example, someone may be reported as having the following markers for DYS464:

 DYS464a = 17

DYS464 b= 18

DYS464c = 18

DYS464 d = 19

As shown above, the value “18″ is reported twice.  This type of reporting is known as “genotype” reporting.  However, recent policies implemented by the American Association of Blood Banks mandates that all Accredited DNA testing laboratories must report the “phenotype” instead of “genotype” for multi-copy markers, especially if the marker has more than 2 alleles.  Though the requirements of AABB refers to apparent homozygotes detected on autosomal DNA, the interpretation concerns are similar for multicopy alleles on the Y-Chromosome because peak height ratio detection of STR fragment analysis results is not a validated method for copy number detection in the absence of real time PCR and sequencing.  ref:  Guidance for Standards for Relationship Testing Laboratories 8th Edition, 5.3.3.1.

If the phenotype is reported for the above individual, then his results will be shown as follows:

DYS464a =  17

DYS464b = 18 (duplicate repeat values are only reported once when reporting phenotypes, so when reporting by phenotype, “18″ is only reported once)

DYS464c = 19

Phenotype reporting is especially important in cases with more than 2 alleles such as DYS464 which is known to have up to 7 alleles.  For all future cases, only the phenotype will be reported for DYS464.  In 2009, all previous participant’s data will be adjusted to report only phenotype for DYS464 to ensure compatibility between old and new participants.  If you would like us to convert your genotype into phenotype for DYS464 for comparison reasons prior to the 2009 update, please contact us at support@genebase.com. 

Interpreting DYS464 data

Genetic distance:  Regardless of the number of mismatches in DYS464, the genetic distance is always reported as a maximum of 1.  Click on this link to read more about the “Infinite Alleles Method” which is used to calculate genetic distance for DYS464:  http://www.genebase.com/blog/?p=74

Please remember that “genetic distance” is not the same as “mismatching markers”.  Currently, the mismatching markers calculation is not performed using the Infinite Alleles Method and the mismatching marker value may be larger than the genetic distance. 

The Genemail feature was updated today to include the original message in all responses.  Previously, the original message was not tagged to the response when you responded to Genemail messages in your inbox. 

To respond to a Genemail, click “reply”:

The original message is now included in the reply:

The navigation has been updated to allow faster browsing.  The previous navigation allows you to skip 3 pages at a time.  The new nagivation allows you to skip up to 10 pages at a time both backwards and forwards.  This new navigation is now activated throughout Genebase, including Genemail, the photo section, ancestry and search results.  Give it a try!

We’ve made some changes to the profile picture feature so that the picture is larger and easier to see.

This is what the profile picture used to look like before:
(max width and height 150 pixels)

This is what the profile picture looks like now:
(max width 200 pixels, max height 300 pixels)

Profile pictures that were uploaded before today will remain small.  However, all profile pictures that you upload from now on will be the new larger size.

Once you replace or re-upload your profile picture, it will show up as the larger size. 

To re-upload an existing profile picture:

1. Go to the individual’s profile page
2. Click on the profile photo or click on “edit profile”.  If you click “edit profile”, you will be redirected to the “edit profile page” and from this page, click “profile photo”.  This will bring you to the “edit profile photo” screen.
3. Click “browse” and select the correct picture from your computer.  The old picture will appear alongside the new picture.
4. Click “save” and the new profile picture will replace the old one.

We’ve added a new section, “What’s New on Genebase” to keep everyone up to date on what’s going on at the back end here at Genebase.  It’s a place for us to keep everyone up to date on changes, new features and new product launches.  You will also find a suggestions box on the right side of the page.  Please feel free to give us your input on how to make Genebase even better.  All changes and new features will be posted here so check back often.  We hope to hear from you!

How do I get there?

Click on the “What’s New” link at the bottom of the page:

Learn how to use Genebase tools and features using online tutorials.  The online tutorial section will contain a selection of tutorials for each Genebase feature.  The first tutorial is the Genebase Overview and provides an introduction to the most popular tools and features in the Genebase control panel.

Each week, a new tutorial for a popular Genebase tool will be featured in this section.  Check back weekly to learn about Genebase’s powerful selection of tools and features. 

Stay up to date on the latest technologies and understand the science behind Genebase products and apps at the Genebase Learning Center.   

This is the place to visit to find out about the latest updates, get insight into what’s going on behind the scenes, and even get quick tips on using Genebase tools.  We hope you enjoy this new feature!